Record Full-Year Revenue Surpasses $8 Billion
Reported full year revenues surpassed $8.0 billion for the first time; top- and bottom-line results exceeded expectations in the first year of the Next Great Chapter Drive plan.
Strong Q4 Revenue and Regional Performance
Total company fourth quarter revenue grew 12% (constant currency), outpacing guidance; by region Q4: Asia +28%, North America +8%, Europe +6%.
Average Unit Retail (AUR) and Gross Margin Outperformance
AUR increased 16% in Q4; adjusted gross margin expanded ~40 basis points to 69% in Q4 (vs an expected ~100 bps contraction); full-year adjusted operating margin expanded ~140 basis points to 15.4% (constant currency).
Direct-to-Consumer and Digital Momentum
Global retail comps increased in the high teens (Q4 comps ~17%); North America digital comps +21%; total digital ecosystem sales grew mid-teens; added ~1.4 million new DTC customers in Q4 (low double-digit increase YoY); social followers increased high single digits to ~70 million.
Core and High-Potential Category Acceleration
Core product (over 70% of business) grew mid-teens for the quarter and full year; high-potential categories (women's apparel, outerwear, handbags) grew more than 20% for both the quarter and the full year, outpacing company growth and contributing to AUR uplift.
Strong Cash Generation and Shareholder Returns
Generated approximately $750 million in free cash flow in fiscal 2026; returned over $700 million to shareholders via dividends and repurchases; ended period with ~$2.1 billion cash and short-term investments and ~$1.2 billion total debt; Board approved a 10% increase in the annual dividend.
Retail Expansion and Strategic Real Estate
Opened 108 new owned and partner stores globally in the fiscal year and completed purchases of iconic U.S. retail locations in SoHo (NYC) and Newbury Street (Boston) to reinforce long-term presence in key cities.
Innovation, Technology and Brand Recognition
Notable progress on AI/analytics and automation (Ask Ralph, distribution automation, agentic search); named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies of 2026; expanded partnerships (CFDA) and endowed the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation with $26 million.